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Family Activities: 2011 Halloween Weekend Adventures

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Photograph Credit: Lowe's

Besides December and May, I think October is the next busiest month for my family. With field trips, fall festivals, family birthdays, and Halloween events, we stay very busy.

Though we do not participate in every activity offered through the month, we have lots of choices to keep us busy. Here are some of the local and national activities going on this weekend:

Friday, October 21, 2011

6:30 p.m. – Free Movie Night at our local minor league baseball field (entrance on Field Street only).  Bring blankets to sit on to watch Toy Story 3 in the outfield.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  –  Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic: Monster Truck

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Michaels’ Halloween T-shirt Event

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Simon Kidgits’ Halloween Event

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – A.C. Moore’s Halloween Costume Event

There are lots more Halloween events being offered. Be sure to stay updated on continuing family outing opportunities by checking Using Time Wisely’s Facebook Event page. As I hear of different events, I will post them with details on Facebook. If you find other activities, please be sure to add the information in a comment or on a post. Hope you enjoy using time wisely with your family this weekend.

Question: What activities do you plan to attend this weekend?

2011 Halloween Adventures

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Amanda Sicard)

With Halloween only 3 days away, the activities are stacking up. In our local vicinity, we have a number of Halloween options:

Church Festivals and Trunk-or-Treats. Do you have trunk-or-treats in your area? This is an event where the church members fill the trunks of their car with candy. Then the kids wander from car to car to fill their buckets, baskets, or bags.

Local Recreational District events. Check your local and county recreational district’s web site for possible Halloween events. Our activity runs Thursday through Saturday in the evenings and includes carnival games, costume contests, inflatables, and treat-or-treating in the forest.

Local mall. Some malls promote treat-or-treating in a safe environment for all the little princesses and pirates.

Local grocery store. Our Publix offers free games to play for prizes, food, and candy throughout their store on Halloween evening.

Local home improvement stores. One year, Paul and I took the kids to the Home Depot where they had candy in each department throughout the store. My kids wore their Home Depot aprons which thrilled the employees. 🙂

Neighborhood. Our subdivision will be flooded with kids. Be sure to know the rules of your neighborhood. On our street, treat-or-treaters are only to go to homes with the outside lights on. If no light is on, then we skip that house and look for another. Most of the kids follow the rules to keep the evening enjoyable and safe for us all.

These are some of the Halloween activities provided in our area. For other Halloween events, be sure to check the event’s page of Using Time Wisely’s Facebook page. All the activities listed include details and links to the event’s web site.

Whether you plan to distribute candy, chaperone kids treat-or-treating, or spend a nice quiet evening at home, I wish you a safe and enjoyable event while using time wisely. Happy Halloween!

Question: What costumes will be worn in your family this Halloween? Be sure to take pictures and upload them to Using Time Wisely’s Facebook page.

Bruegger’s Bagels: Free Coffee on November 9, 2011

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Photograph Credit: Bruegger's Bagels

Are you a coffee drinker? If so and you live near a Bruegger’s Bagels, then here’s a treat for you! Per Bruegger’s Bagels’ Facebook wall:

Planning out your week? Don’t forget to mark your calendars for this Wednesday, November 9th! FREE COFFEE DAY! Stop by before 2PM and get a free cup of coffee in support of Children’s Miracle Network!

Follow this link to find a participating location, and enjoy your cup of joe.

Home Depot: Snowman Napkin Holder

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Photograph Credit: The Home Depot

On Saturday, December 3, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at your local Home Depot store, children (ages 5-12) can build a snowman napkin holder. At the Kids Workshop, all kids get to keep their craft, receive a free Kids Workshop apron, earn a commemorative pin, and obtain a certificate of achievement.

If your child is not interested in making this craft to display at your home, remember that grandparents would welcome handmade gifts from their grandchildren. 🙂

As the weekend is drawing near, I wish you special time with your family while using time wisely. Enjoy your family!

Lowe’s Build and Grow: Coal Car

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Photograph Credit: Lowe's

After attending the Home Depot Kids Workshop last weekend, our family should have stopped across the street at Lowe’s. Branching out of their normal second- and fourth-week of the month projects, Lowe’s began a three-week project: a train.

Last week, the project was the caboose. If you missed it, like our family, do not fret. There are still 2 additional sections to make for your train.

What: Coal Car

When: Saturday, December 10, 2011

Where: Your local Lowe’s home improvement store

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

These clinics fill up quickly. Be sure to register your attendance at your local Lowe’s and arrive no later than 10:15 a.m. to the event. For other tips and details on the Lowe’s Build and Grow clinics, refer to my detailed post here.

Photograph Credit: Lowe's

After this Saturday’s event, the next Lowe’s Build and Grow project will be on Saturday, December 17, 2011, building the engine.

You can register for both the December 10 and 17 events through Lowe’s web site. These events are filling up fast in our area. Hope you can still get a spot.

To preview more upcoming events, be sure to check Using Time Wisely’s Facebook events page. New activities are added periodically, so check back often.

Enjoy your family activities this weekend!